TALLAHASSEE, FL (September 20, 2023) — All Florida universities eligible for inclusion in the national universities category improved their rankings. Before Governor Ron DeSantis took office in 2018, Florida’s flagship public universities (University of Florida, Florida State University, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida, and Florida International University) had an average ranking of No. 64 nationally. Just six years later, the same universities’ average ranking has improved by 24 spots to No. 40 nationally.
The US News and World Report made significant changes to their methodology this year, including placing a greater emphasis on social mobility and only counting first-generation students who rely on federal funds, such as Pell Grants and federal student loans, which penalizes the State University System of Florida by excluding 77% of our students who graduate with no debt.
Despite the change in methodology, Florida’s public universities continue to excel. All Florida universities eligible for inclusion in the national universities category improved their rankings. The success of our universities is proof that Florida’s focus on merit, academics, and affordable higher education provides students with a variety of world-class educational options.
Changes in the State University System of Florida national overall rankings from 2023 to 2024:
- Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University improved by 31 spots.
- Florida Atlantic University improved by 53 spots.
- Florida Gulf Coast University improved by 80 spots, shifting from regional to national rankings.
- Florida International University improved by 27 spots.
- Florida State University improved by 2 spots.
- University of Central Florida improved by 13 spots.
- University of Florida improved by 1 spot.
- University of North Florida improved by 26 spots.
- University of South Florida improved by 8 spots.
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About the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors:
The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors. The System has 12 universities and more than 430,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Florida has held the top spot in U.S. News & World Report for higher education since the inception of the rankings in 2017. Responsibilities include defining the distinctive mission of each institution and managing the System’s coordination and operation. The Board appoints a Chancellor who serves as the System’s chief executive. For more information, visit flbog.edu or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.